Shangrela Beach Resort by ARK

Food was great shovel rice is superb

Great location and peaceful. Staff were excellent

Didn't serve beer, but that's ok

It kinda looks nice at night with the lights on. Kinda.

First thing we noticed was going through the citys market and the smell of fish while going to the location and at the location. Images are made to look nice but in reality.. the nice looking beach is basically a fishing boatyard. Very deceving images. I repeat.. there is no beach to enjoy. I honestly booked because i thought we could enjoy the beach and my gf and i were excited to go because the pictures looked great but nope. There was a tiny beach at the edge (you have to cross the road from the hotel on to a bare land and take tiny path at the edge of that land to reach this so called beach) which was completely covered with fishing boats and then a stretch of rocks and then more boats. It was just downhill from there. Also, place looks big in pictures but i advice anyone trying to book to check google maps first. The tiny pool thats looks bigger than it is in pictures is basically on the road. There was a family in the pool when we reached there and there was enough space from us to dip and wait. Photo angles are deceiving. The towels we got were abit dirty and the washroom was not that clean... images are probably from a time when the hotel first opened. The old door locks were a challenge to open and lock. Also important to note: Felt unsafe walking on the road to and from the hotel because of the rasta type people checking out my gf in a weird way. Had to take tuk tuks just to get to the main road. Also its not like there are alot of ubers or pick-me's on demand in that area so good luck with the over priced three-wheelers. Sorry didn't take pictures to show. we didn't stay the night or eat from there.. left the place in the afternoon in disappointment even though it was paid for 1 night. In short. Dont go with your gf in hopes of enjoying the beach or the pool.

Basic but perfectly fine for our base as we explored the area. Staff were welcoming, pool was great for the kids in the afternoon, beds were comfy and the kids slept well

Service was a little slow at times. Unfortunately bar license was expired so no alcohol could be served but the hotel were fine with bringing our own beers from the shops. The venue could be a little noisy on the evening but the kids managed to sleep through ok.

Stuff was nice and tried to help

We were disappointed, because we were looking for a nice and calm place near beach that is not too crowded. What got us disappointed was that the photos of the place where clearly photoshopped. Place is warn down (which also not always is a bad thing, but it is not good to lie about that). For the same place we have found most amazing little places with much better value and even breakfast included. These people are advertising that they have a bar, well, it is not true, because there is not a single drink, when we arrived they said that they can get us beer in the evening. Rooms where warn down, bathroom was not great, WC not flashing, only 1 plug point, construction sounds through all early morning and daytime. When we booked, we wanted to spend there 2 days, but now we are running away.

Nothing! The room was dirty! Mould on shower curtain, toilet cracked sink dirty, bathroom smelly. Bed was broken with slats missing underneath. Pool was murky and filters were obviously not working. Young staff blasting out loud music constantly right outside our room. We booked 3 nights - there was a thunderstorm so no electricity from early evening till early hours of the morning. Even though I realise the weather was not their fault they made no effort to give even candles in the room. We informed them that we would be leaving the next day so in the morning they produced a bill ( which we had to get a tuk tuk to the ATM as they only took cash). The bill was the total amount for our 3 nights ( which I suppose we expected) but additionally charged us an extra full night because we slept there for one night! They were arrogant and bad mannered. This was our worst stay in a months trip to Sri Lanka and our second holiday to this beautiful country. We are well aware of Sri Lankan standards and hospitality and this was awful

Everything

The staff were awesome. Very friendly very helpful and keen to support our needs.

Building work was a bit noisey, but I imagine this will be completed shortly.

Nice location just in front of the beach. Nice swimming pool and relaxing chill area. Nice, kind and helpful staff.

Inside the room was a bit old, the shower curtain was moldy. Interior of the room needs a bit of love and attention.